Things to Do on Lake Garda in September

16 Best Things to Do at Lake Garda in September:

Here you will find 16 Best Things to Do on Lake Garda in September. Welcome the Fall Season with Lake Garda’s Captivating September Offerings

As summer transitions to fall in northern Italy, Lake Garda remains a hub of activity. The weather is idyllic for sightseeing and recreation. Regattas, wine festivals, and folk fairs beckon visitors to join the fun. Cooler nights bring ideal conditions for cultural events. There’s no better place to experience the richness of an Italian autumn than the shores of spellbinding Lake Garda.

With tourists thinning out after summer crowds, September invites travelers to dive into local life. Here are just some of the top attractions and festivals that make September a magnificent time to visit:

Annual Olive Oil Festival, Limone sul Garda

Limone sul Garda, renowned for its fragrant lemon orchards, also boasts olive groves dotting the hillsides. The town honors its premium olive oil harvest with an annual festival each September. For ten days, attendees can tour presses, watch demonstrations, and learn about Lake Garda’s olive varieties. Most importantly, they can sample just-pressed, green-gold extra virgin olive oils from local growers.

Palio Horse Race, Bardolino

Dating back to 1579, the Palio di Bardolino brings medieval pageantry to town in early September. Riders from Verona, Mantua, Venice and other cities compete in a bareback horse race wearing colorful costumes of knights, damsels and courtiers. An entire weekend of music, shows, games, food stalls and Chiaretto rosé tastings surrounds Sunday’s main race. Visitors feel transported back to Renaissance times.

Opera Festival at the Arena di Verona

One of Europe’s most renowned outdoor music events runs annually from June through September at Verona’s ancient Roman arena. In September the program continues with full operas under the stars several nights a week. Concert-goers from around the globe flock to hear acclaimed productions of works by Verdi, Puccini, Mascagni and more performed in the dramatic, candle-lit amphitheater.

Regattas: Centomiglia Sailing Race

With favorable winds, September brings prime conditions for sailing on Lake Garda. A highlight is the Centomiglia regatta starting in Bogliaco. On one Saturday, over 400 boats race the 100 miles (160 km) up the lake, passing scenic towns and mountain vistas. The exhilarating competition draws thousands of spectators onshore and afloat. Other towns like Gargnano and Torbole host smaller weekly races.

Medieval Festival of Torri del Benaco

The picturesque lakeside town of Torri del Benaco transports visitors to medieval times on select weekends in September. Revelers dressed as knights, maidens, and jesters parade through streets decorated with banners. Artisans sell handicrafts, food stalls serve turkey legs and pasta, and minstrels perform. Jousting tournaments, dances, and renaissance music create an magical historic experience.

Lake Garda Wine Festivals

September is harvest time around Lake Garda, and many towns celebrate with wine festivals. Desenzano del Garda hosts a festival honoring the red and white wines of Lombardy. Bardolino’s Festa dell’Uva e Vino features tastings, grape stomping, music, and food. Lazise presents a festival dedicated to Chiaretto, the pale pink rosé wine of the region.

Gardaland Oktoberfest

Starting in September, the Gardaland amusement park transforms into a Bavarian beer garden complete with oompah bands, German food and huge beer mugs. Adults can enjoy live music, entertainment and rides into the evening. Kids have special activities during the day. It’s an unexpected side of Italy perfect for the fall season!

St. Roch Festival and Market, Bardolino

St. Roch is the patron saint of Bardolino, and the town honors him annually in mid-September. The festival includes a large market selling antiques, crafts and artisan foods. Visitors can also enjoy games, shows, music performances and tasting of local olive oil, wine and cheeses as Bardolino celebrates its heritage.

Palio delle Quattro Antiche Repubbliche Marinare

Every four years in September, the “Palio of the Four Ancient Maritime Republics” is held in Lake Garda with a regatta among the northern Italian cities of Venice, Genoa, Pisa and Amalfi. Rowing teams compete aboard historic 16th century boats. Pageantry surrounds the event with flag throwing, parades, drum corps, and carnival rides.

Verona in Love Festival

Capitalizing on Verona being the fictional home of Romeo and Juliet, this month-long festival celebrates love and romance with music, theater, guided tours and events across the city. There are open-air operas, concerts by famous Italian singers, readings of romantic literature, a masked ball and more.

Sagra dei Osei

The town of Mantua honors its tradition of bird trapping and training with the centuries-old Sagra dei Osei fair in September. Skilled trainers demonstrate bird calls, capture techniques, and how to handle the creatures gently. Songbird cooking competitions, concerts, circus performances, and a raptor show complement educational displays about avian species.

Lake Garda Lemon Festival

Lake Garda is famed for its distinctive lemons grown in gardens and greenhouses around the shore. In late September, Limone sul Garda holds a Lemon Festival where visitors can taste lemon-infused dishes, tour lush gardens, watch cooking demos, and learn about these unique citrus fruits. Music, handicrafts and children’s activities add to the fun.

Rapa Nui Festival

This Polynesian festival in Desenzano del Garda highlights music, dance and culture from across the Pacific Islands. For four days, attendees can watch live performances from groups spanning French Polynesia, Hawaii, New Zealand and more. They can learn traditional dances like the Haka, sample islander cuisine, and browse stalls selling artisan wares. You must know about best Things to Do on Lake Garda in September this year

Chestnut Festivals

The foraging season arrives in September as locals harvest prized products of the mountains. Various towns host chestnut festivals, where attendees can sample chestnut beer, pasta, polenta, desserts and more. Guided tours demonstrate how to find and process chestnuts, an iconic fall food. Enjoy the natural bounty of the region.

Verona Busker Festival

Street performers take over Verona during this festival featuring musicians, dancers, acrobats and artists from around the world. Visitors can catch impromptu acts on plazas, bridges and pedestrian areas across Verona for four days. Prepare to be delighted by colorful characters, offbeat spectacles, and talented entertainers. Best Things to Do on Lake Garda in September

Villa Destinations and Gardens

September provides ideal weather to visit Lake Garda’s elegant villas surrounded by immaculate gardens. Spend an afternoon wandering manicured grounds and opulent architecture. Highlights include Villa Balbianello in Lenno, Villa Monastero in Varenna, Villa Cipressi in Valeggio sul Mincio, and Villa Sigurtà near Verona.

 

As these highlights reveal, Lake Garda offers an abundance of things to experience in September as summer transitions to fall. The lakeside villages showcase local culture through festivities and traditions. It’s the perfect season to explore Lake Garda’s history, scenery, food and wine before tourists diminish for winter. Visitors find pleasant weather, thinner crowds, and a romantic atmosphere across this Italian jewel in September. Things to Do on Lake Garda in September don’t forget

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FAQs: Things to Do on Lake Garda in September

1. What are some popular activities to enjoy on Lake Garda in September? September offers a variety of activities, including boat tours, water sports, hiking, exploring charming villages, and enjoying lakeside dining.
2. Are water sports still available on Lake Garda in September?
   Yes, September is a great time for water sports such as swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing. The weather is still warm, and the lake is inviting.
3. Can I go hiking around Lake Garda in September?
   Absolutely. September is an excellent month for hiking, with cooler temperatures making it more comfortable to explore the surrounding mountains and trails.
4. Are there any festivals or events on Lake Garda in September?
   Yes, September hosts various local events and festivals, celebrating culture, food, and wine. Check the event calendar for specific dates and details.
5. Is September a good time for wine tasting around Lake Garda?
   Definitely. September marks the beginning of the grape harvest season, and many wineries offer tours and tastings, providing a unique wine experience.
6. Can I take boat tours or cruises on Lake Garda in September?
   Yes, boat tours and cruises are still available in September. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the stunning lake views and visit different towns.
7. Are there any historical sites to explore around Lake Garda in September? Yes, you can explore historical sites such as castles, ruins, and old towns around Lake Garda, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Things to Do on Lake Garda in September